2 dead in Braintree shooting

BRAINTREE − A 16-year-old Braintree High School student was one of two people shot dead outside his home Sunday, Braintree police said.

The victims are Jahzier Porter, 16, of 10 Alfred Road, and Jayden Santos-Andrade, of Dorchester, who would have turned 20 next month, said Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey.

Based on shell casings found at the scene, Morrissey said authorities believe there were multiple assailants.

Braintree police and State Police are investigating the shootings as a double homicide. No arrests have been made.

Braintree police received numerous calls reporting gunshots about 1:30 a.m. Morrissey said when police arrived at the scene, "they found two individuals in a car outside 10 Alfred Road. Both were apparent victims of gunshot wounds." A third person in the car was not injured, Braintree police said.

A Nissan Altima with the back window blown out was parked on the street in front of the home, a four-bedroom, single-family house.

"There were no signs of any assailants at the time" officers arrived at the scene, the district attorney said at a news conference at the police station. Morrisey said the victims were shot from outside the vehicle.

No other injuries were reported.

Morrissey praised the work of emergency crews who tried to save Porter and Santos-Andrade, who were pronounced dead at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.

Alfred Road is in a residential neighborhood off Common Street about a half-mile east of South Shore Plaza.

While the investigation of the shootings continues, police say there is no threat to public safety. Braintree Deputy Police Chief Tim Cohoon said police will add extra patrols to the neighborhood to reassure residents, but said it is a very safe area and police officers live in the neighborhood.

"There are two families grieving on what is the worst day of their lives," Cohoon said.

Mayor Charles Kokoros called the shootings "a very bad tragedy" and said he is working with Braintree High School Superintendent James Lee to make grief counselors available at the school for Porter's classmates.

In a message to the school community, Braintree High School Principal Christopher Scully said counseling will be available for students who need it.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the student's family, friends and everyone affected by the tragedy," Scully wrote.

"Although school is not currently in session, any student or family in need of assistance should contact the Braintree Public Schools director of guidance, Mr. Anthony Garofalo, at 781-848-4000 x7820, to be put in touch with a counselor for a virtual appointment or any other necessary supports," Scully wrote.

Anyone with information or video they believe to be relevant to the investigation is asked to call State Police detectives at 781-830-4990 or Braintree police detectives at 781-794-8620.

These are the first homicides in Braintree in a little over 17 months. On Jan. 22, 2022, a Dorchester man was shot and killed amid Saturday afternoon shoppers at South Shore Plaza. A Dorchester man has been charged with murder in that slaying.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Two shot dead in Braintree